RACINE - The city is going to the dogs - literally.

The Racine Kennel Club is hosting their annual American Kennel Club All-Breed dog shows Sunday and Monday at Pershing Park, 800 Pershing Drive, along Lake Michigan. The events are expected to draw almost 2,000 dog entries representing more than 135 breeds.

"We have everything from Black Russian Terriers to Chinese Cresteds to Golden Retrievers," said Kevin Carlson, kennel club volunteer. "It's a good wholesome event which draws people to the Racine area."

Most dogs come from around Racine, but some are from out of state. Last year a family from Burlington won best in show, Carlson said.

"It's not always a local person that wins, so it was a lot of fun," he said.

The two-day event has been in Racine for at least 20 years and allows attendees to meet a variety of dog breeds. They can also talk with expert breeders about breed behavior and characteristics.

The event "educates the public on dogs (and) on good breeders in it for the right reasons," said Carlson, who has been a kennel club member for 10 years. "If you're looking for a pet or dog to join your life, it's a great place to start your research."

The dog shows are confirmation shows where dogs get evaluated against standards for their breed. There are no agility or obedience shows at this event.

For confirmation shows, dogs walk around in a ring while a judge evaluates them. Judges pay attention to the dogs' appearances, actions and movements, eventually determining which dog best exemplifies its breed, Carlson said.

To be a judge, an individual must have approval from the American Kennel Club.

"You have to have some experience because they want judges to have a good educated opinion about what that particular breed should look like and be able to do," Carlson said. "You have to be breeder, handler or have been involved with dogs for a good number of years."

Vendors will be on hand selling a variety of dog-related items such as collars, leashes and collectibles like signs and bumper stickers. A sheer-sharpening service will be available for dog groomers. Racine Erickson's Baseball, a local youth baseball team, will sell concession items during the shows to fundraise for a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., Carlson said.

After all expenses are paid, money raised goes to the Racine Kennel Club to fund community service events like presentations at schools and the Wisconsin State Fair, Carlson said.

Pets not entered in the shows are not allowed at the events.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: American Kennel Club All-Breed dog shows

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 10 and Monday, Aug. 11; 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pershing Park, 800 Pershing Drive

COST: $2 adults, $1 children or $5 for families